Community Awards Banquet
The Community Awards Banquet is held every year in celebration and recognition of Community Awards Program donors and award recipients. During the banquet donors and their award recipient(s) meet and enjoy a wonderful meal together, connect, and share experiences!
For me, a long-time local resident and donor representative, [the Community Awards Banquet] is not to be missed…
Good friends care about each other and lend helping hands when they see a need. In that spirit, Augustana and the community have mutually benefited…
Mrs. Berdie Fowler (July 1, 1920 - September 24, 2013)
Community Awards Program donor and Founder of the Camrose Booster
2026 Banquet
On January 27, 2026, nearly 300 supporters, students, and community members gathered to celebrate at Augustana's annual Community Awards Banquet—a special evening dedicated to honouring student achievement and the incredible donor generosity that makes it possible. This year, the celebration was highlighted by an engaging panel discussion featuring our very own Augustana Vikings student-athletes. Guests had the opportunity to hear firsthand from our Vikings about the dedication and leadership it takes to balance academics and athletics, reinforcing the deep connection between our campus and the community that stands behind them. Special thanks to Donna Robitaille for photographing the evening; all featured photos are credited to her.
Award recipient Dawson Sparrow (left) gets to know his Community Awards Program donors Luke Ryan (middle) and Rebecca Bates (right) at the banquet reception.
Student appreciation
Read words of thanks from recent Community Awards Program student recipients.
“Thank you so much for your contribution to my studies. I am very grateful for it. I have needed to pay for my education independently and receiving your award was a very appreciated surprise. I’m not entirely sure what career to pursue once I complete my degree, but I want to stay and work in the Camrose area. I am a dedicated worker and am excited to put your contribution to good use.” – Integrative Biology student
“When I initially applied to and received my acceptance from the University of Alberta, I never expected to receive a scholarship as well. It was a pleasant surprise, and I never imagined I would have the chance to meet the individuals who generously provided me with this opportunity.” – first-year Computing Science and Mathematics student
“This is my second year receiving this award and each year I grow more appreciative of people such as yourself within the community that I call home. Thank you for this opportunity and I hope that I am utilizing this award how the funding donors intended.” – second-year student receiving a renewable endowed award
“Your generosity has alleviated much stress and financial burdens from my first year of post-secondary education. I have completed my first semester and was able to achieve grades of A- and higher! I believe this is partially because I did not need to overly concern myself about finances.” – first-year Computing Science and Mathematics student
“Thank you for your kind support of my education. Through your award, you have provided me the unique opportunity to represent Augustana in both academic and athletic settings. More importantly, you’ve allowed me to be a part of and thrive in the very special community that is Augustana. Thank you.” – Vikings student-athlete
“I’m very grateful to have been chosen to receive this award. Without the generosity of people like you, these awards would not be possible and I just want to express my deep gratitude. So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for your support in furthering my education. I want to use my degree to give back to my community. I grew up near Camrose and I’ve only ever attended small schools, and that’s a big part of why I chose Augustana for my post-secondary education.” – second-year Psychology and Mental Health student